Student Handbook

MA Broadcast Journalism 2016 – 2017

School of Journalism, Language and Communication

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your course and provided to you, whether electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are the property of (or licensed to) UCLan and MUST not be distributed, sold, published, made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use unless you have gained written permission to do so from the Dean of School. This applies to the materials in their entirety and to any part of the materials.

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Mission and Values

We create positive change in our students, staff, business partners and wider communities, enabling them to develop their full potential by providing excellent higher education, innovation and research.

Our values:

• The pursuit of excellence in all that we do. • Equality of opportunity for all, supporting the rights and freedoms of our

diverse community. • The advancement and protection of knowledge, freedom of speech and

enquiry. • Supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of all.

Student Charter The Student Charter has been developed by the University and the Students’ Union so that students gain the maximum from their UCLan experience. It is a two-way commitment or ‘contract’ between the University and each individual student. It acts as a means of establishing in black and white what students can expect from the University and the Union in terms of support, and in return what we expect from our students. Read the full Student Charter

Supporting Diversity at UCLan UCLan recognises and values individual difference and has a public duty to promote equality and remove discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. During your time at UCLan we expect you to be able to

• experience "an integrated community based on mutual respect and tolerance where all staff and students can feel safe, valued and supported."

• contribute to creating a positive environment where discriminatory practices and discrimination no longer happen.

Please review the UCLan Equality and Diversity Policy for further information.

Contents page

1. Introduction to the course

2. Structure of the course

3. Approaches to teaching and learning

4. Student support, guidance and conduct

5. Assessment

6. Course regulations

7. Student voice

8. Appendices

8. 1 Approved programme specification

9. Tuition Fee Information

1. Introduction to the course

1.1 Welcome to the course Welcome to the University of Central Lancashire. This handbook provides you with an overview of the MA in Broadcast Journalism programme. Inside you’ll find information about the structure of the course and what we expect you to achieve and contribute. You’ll find more details about the individual modules in the Module Information Packs (MIPs) which will be given to you at the start of each module. You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding courses available to you and must now navigate your way successfully through 9 or 12 months of intensive study. There will be highs and lows; you’ll make new friends and will be asked to accomplish a lot in a short time. But if you organise your time wisely, work hard and adopt the right attitude, the results could help shape the rest of your life. Simply being on the course doesn’t guarantee success. The people who’ve been successful have worked hard, shown enthusiasm and commitment, and pursued their ambition with focus and determination. The course team will help you all they can, but in the end it’s up to you. The University has an unsurpassed reputation for its journalism courses and has been training journalists since 1962. The broadcast journalism course started in 1981, since then it’s helped hundreds of men and women to achieve employment at various levels in radio and television and latterly – less traditional employment opportunities where your journalism skills will prove invaluable. The emphasis on all the courses is on practical teaching to produce students equipped to begin work as professional journalists

1.2 Rationale, aims and learning outcomes of the course By the end of the course we expect you to have acquired the skills and knowledge required to carry out the work of a professional broadcast journalist and be capable of operating independently in a confident and reflective manner. To achieve this, the course sets out to: • Provide you with the key journalistic skills and knowledge required by professional

broadcast journalists • Promote self-awareness and self-confidence, and the ability to communicate clearly • To provide you with underpinning knowledge of relevant legal and ethical

requirements • Stimulate all-round development within a positive, supportive and creative learning

environment. • Provide you with the opportunity for a substantial piece of independent research and

production • To encourage you to develop the intellectual skills and creative insights necessary

for your development as a reflective practitioner It’s important to be clear about what you will have learned by the end of the course.

• Knowledge of the structure of the radio and television industry, patterns of ownership and audiences, multi-platform operation of news and current affairs services.

• Understanding of the style and content of news programmes, sources of news, effective production of stories, interviews, packages and programmes, technical knowledge.

• Knowledge of the law pertaining to journalists, ethical and regulatory issues. • Knowledge of local and central government operation. • Researching, reporting, writing, presenting and interviewing skills. • Digital editing skills, newsroom management, using radio and television

equipment. • Knowledge of how to create and maintain an online presence. • Researching, selecting and interpreting information from a range of primary and

secondary sources • Critical analysis of source material. • Relation of practical thinking to theoretical understanding. • Effective communication, organisation and presentation skills, creative and lateral

thinking. • Self-confidence and effective verbal and written communication. • Independent thinking, persistence, focus, brevity. • Team working, project management, self-analysis and self-criticism. • Identify and analyse the different types of radio and television news and current

affairs documentaries • Undertake the production of a substantial piece of journalism for radio or

television • Demonstrate a critical awareness of the issues involved in producing a

documentary programme for radio or television • Critically evaluate current research and scholarship within the discipline • Integrate and contrast practical experience with theoretical perspectives and

evaluate this synthesis • Manage a large scale project independently

1.4 Academic Advisor Typically, your course leader.

1.5 Administration details Campus Admin Services provides academic administration support for students and staff and are located at CM235. The hub is open from 8.45am until 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.00pm on Fridays. The hub can provide general assistance and advice regarding specific processes such as extenuating circumstances, extensions and appeals. Course specific information is also available via school blackboard sites.

The hub telephone number is 01772 891994 or 01772 891995

The hub email contact is CandTHub@uclan.ac.uk

1.6 Communication The University expects you to use your UCLan email address and check regularly for messages from staff. If you send us email messages from other addresses they risk being filtered out as potential spam and discarded unread.

Email is a useful communication tool, but use your discretion and don’t bombard your tutors with unnecessary questions i.e. When’s the deadline? You’ll receive a lot of information during the course and it’s up to you to keep track of it. Never send abusive emails; there’s a difference between being rude and assertive. Use of the internet, blogs and social networking sites are now a significant part of our practical journalism teaching, however, we expect you to act responsibly and adopt professional standards when contributing to the web. You must always adhere to the university’s Guide for Students on personal internet presence. You should not use your site to attack or abuse university staff or students. You should respect the privacy and the feelings of others. You should not include contact details or pictures etc of other students without their prior permission. Remember that if you break the law on your site (for example by posting something defamatory), you will be personally responsible.

1.7 External Examiner The University has appointed an External Examiner to your course who helps to ensure that the standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other higher education institutions in the UK. The name of this person, their position and home institution can be found below. If you wish to make contact with your External Examiner, you should do this through your Course Leader and not directly. External Examiner reports will be made available to you electronically. The School will also send a sample of student coursework to the external examiner(s) for external moderation purposes, once it has been marked and internally moderated by the course tutors. The sample will include work awarded the highest and lowest marks and awarded marks in the middle range

External Examiner MA Broadcast Journalism:

Michelle Mayman –Editor – BBC North West Tonight

2. Structure of the course

2.1 Overall structure The PG Diploma course comprises six modules: JN4070 Creating Content Single Module 20 Credits JN4071 Newsroom Practice Double Module 40 Credits JN4072 Digital Journalism Single Module 20 Credits JN4200 Law for Journalists Single Module 20 Credits JN4600 Public Administration Single Module 20 Credits To successfully complete the PG Diploma, you must pass all six modules (120 Credits) over two semesters. Masters students take the same modules plus an additional module: JN4073........ Extended Project............Triple module......... 60 credits To successfully complete the Masters programme, you must pass all modules (180 Credits) over a three semester calendar year. However, there is an exit point at the end of semester two for those wishing to take only the Postgraduate Diploma.

Work placements Your radio and television work placements are an important part of your training, when you’ll be given the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired in a real working environment and be tested on your potential as a trainee broadcast journalist.

Your placements can be in radio and/or television, within the guidelines agreed with the BBC and BJTC. You’ll be allowed to arrange your own work experience, in consultation with your module tutors, if the stations meet the necessary training and safety criteria. You should aim to become as proficient as you can before the placement period. If you can show a news editor or producer you’re capable of doing the job, the chances are you’ll be offered further work in the future.

Most of your coursework will have been submitted by the time you go in placement, allowing you to fully utilise your skills. You should be able to make a useful contribution and make a positive impression. You’ll also be encouraged to undertake work experience at other times (weekends/holiday periods) as experience shows this is an excellent way to enhance the skills and knowledge gained in University and gain a head start in the employment market. Typically, students spend a minimum of three weeks in a local radio newsroom and three weeks at a television programme. You should be able to drive a car during your official radio placement, so, if you’ve not yet passed your driving test, you should think about doing so as soon as possible.

2.2.1 Progression Discussions about your progression through the course will normally take place towards the end of Semester one.

2.3 Study Time

2.3.1 Weekly timetable Your timetable will be available online. However, we may have extra sessions with guest speakers or changes to timetabled sessions. Please ensure you check your emails to make sure you have the latest information

2.3.2 Expected hours of study The normal amount of work involved in achieving a successful outcome to your studies is to study for 10 hours per each credit you need to achieve – this includes attendance at UCLan and time spent in private study. Throughout most of your course – you will be expected to attend university a minimum of three days a week – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. However – there are times when you will be required to attend additional sessions. In semester two the focus turns to practice, with radio and television newsdays in most weeks until your work placements. You will be notified about any additional sessions as soon as possible and provided with a timetable accordingly. Outside of your timetabled sessions, you should recognise and embrace the opportunity to utilise the equipment and facilities to study and practice your skills as much as possible.

2.3.3 Attendance Requirements You are required to attend all timetabled learning activities for each module. Notification of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to; Course Leader: MA Broadcast Journalism If you are not an EU student, under UK Border Agency (UKBA), Points Based System (PBS) – you MUST attend your course of study regularly; under PBS, UClan is obliged to tell UKBA if you withdraw from a course, defer or suspend your studies, or if you fail to attend the course regularly. If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence, do not respond to communications from the University and if you are absent for four weeks or more, you may be deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then the date of withdrawal will be recorded as the last day of attendance. Each time you are asked to enter your details on SAM you must remember that the University has a responsibility to keep information up to date and that you must only enter your own details on the system. To enter any other names would result in inaccurate records and be dishonest. Any student who is found to make false entries can be disciplined under the student guide to regulations.

2.4 Data Protection All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your studies at the University will be held securely and will be used by the University both during your course and after you leave the University for a variety of purposes. These are all explained during the enrolment process at the commencement of your studies. If you would like a more detailed explanation of the University’s policy on the use and disclosure of personal information, please contact the Information Governance Officer, Clerk to the Board Service, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE or email DPFOIA@uclan.ac.uk.

3. Approaches to teaching and learning

3.1 Learning and teaching methods The course is highly experiential and is largely based on the belief that its students learn best by ‘doing’ for themselves. That means we provide you with a professional environment where you can put into practice your emerging skills and knowledge. It also means, unlike in industry, that we ensure there’s the time and structured opportunity for you, your fellow students and the staff to analyse and critique your performance. There’ll be formal lectures to impart key information and concepts. But much of your time will be spent in workshops, sometimes side by side with people from the industry who regularly visit the School to share their knowledge and experience. The Masters route will then be focused on independent study as you prepare and execute your documentary or dissertation. You’re encouraged to experiment and to learn from your mistakes, to build up professional competency and the transferable skills of self-confidence, self-awareness, communication and time-management. Guest speakers will come and speak to you on a range of specialist topics, from court reporting to careers in network radio. Following the Christmas break, you’ll get the chance to put your skills and knowledge to the test in the first of the news days. These news days are the most important part of your training, as they enable you to develop your skills in a real working environment under the supervision of a professional broadcast journalist. At first the news days will be conducted by members of the course team, but after a few days the gloves will be taken off and you’ll be handed over to real news editors/reporters from a BBC or commercial station in the region. They will spend the day working with you, giving you advice, feedback and encouragement, as if you were a reporter in their own newsroom. The news editors and reporters come from radio and tv stations across the region eg BBC Radio Lancashire, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool. North West Tonight, Granada Reports. Piccadilly Key 103 and Red Rose Rock FM. BBC Radio 4 and BBC 5 Live. So, you will benefit from a range of insights and experience. Make the most of them. These visitors are industry contacts and could be the people you’ll need to impress at a future interview. The news days begin at the end of semester one and continue through semester two, so you’ll get lots of practice before your placements. The course enjoys an excellent relationship with the community and with public services, such as the police, fire brigade, local councils and others, who help make the news days a special learning experience. You’ll be assigned the role of reporter, presenter, producer, sports editor, or news editor, and will help compile the half-hourly radio news bulletins/ programme and TV new bulletin and programme in the style of a BBC or commercial radio station. You’ll report real news stories, cover press conferences and conduct interviews with people and personalities in the news.

3.2 Study skills There are a variety of services to support students and these include WISER https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_33_1 LIS https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_25_1

3.3 Learning resources

3.4.1 Learning Information Services (LIS) Extensive resources are available to support your studies provided by LIS – library and IT staff. Take advantage of the free training sessions designed to enable you to gain all the skills you need for your research and study.

3.4.2 Electronic Resources LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources – e-journals and databases, e-books, images and texts.

3.5 Personal development planning Personal Development Planning is an integral part of the programme, aimed at helping you progress into a chosen career. PDP is defined as “a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning, performance and / or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development”. Some of the skills you will acquire:

• Time management – preparing for and arriving on time for lectures and

seminars; handing coursework in on time • Presentation skills– presenting information to tutor and peers in lectures and

seminars • Research skills – utilising both electronic and hard copy resources to prepare

for seminars and coursework • Analytical skills – organising and synthesising information • Oral communication skills – discussing topical issues with tutors and peers in

seminars • Written communication skills (including grammar and punctuation) - coursework

and exam • Problem-solving skills – seminars, coursework and exam • General knowledge of current news – reading ‘quality’ newspapers to prepare

for seminars and practical assignments. • Development of ability to see both sides of an argument – seminars, coursework

and examination • Teamwork – group assessments built into a selection of modules.

3.6 Preparing for your career Your future is important to us, so to make sure that you achieve your full potential whilst at university and beyond, your course has been designed with employability learning integrated into it. This is not extra to your degree, but an important part of it

which will help you to show future employers just how valuable your degree is. These “Employability Essentials” take you on a journey of development that will help you to write your own personal story of your time at university:

• To begin with, you will explore your identity, your likes and dislikes, the things that are important to you and what you want to get out of life.

• You will then be ready to learn how to successfully tackle the recruitment process.

It’s your future: take charge of it!

Careers offers a range of support for you including:- • career and employability advice and guidance appointments • support to find work placements, internships, voluntary opportunities, part-time

employment and live projects • workshops, seminars, modules, certificates and events to develop your skills

Daily drop in service available from 09:00-17:00 for CV checks and initial careers information. For more information come along and visit the team (in Foster building near the main entrance) or access our careers and employability resources via the Student Portal. We realise that your University experience is not only about achieving your chosen award; it is also about developing as a person and realising your potential. We want you to gain the skills and attitudes that will help you to achieve your goals.

Your tutors will do everything they can to help you succeed and will arrange for you to meet people from the world of broadcast journalism, including course alumni, who will give you good advice based on practical experience.

David Sanderson completed the PGDip Broadcast Journalism course in 2012.

“During my time at UCLAN I was introduced to the news editor of Radio Wave in Blackpool who was guest editing one of our newsdays. He invited me to take on some freelance shifts at the radio station while I completed my studies.

After receiving my PG Dip I landed a job working as a newsreader at Dee 106.3 in Chester. Alongside this role I also hosted a weekly four-hour sport show on Saturday afternoons.

Almost a year to the day since starting work at Dee 106.3 I moved to Real Radio North West to join the Breakfast Show as a Broadcast Journalist. I am part of the multi

award winning Bauer Media News Room, and can be heard reading breakfast news on both Hallam FM and CFM.

The foundations that were laid for me at UCLAN could not have prepared me any better for what is ultimately a highly competitive and fast-paced career.

Training provided by a mixture of current and former industry professionals and the wealth of advice that they offered was second to none. Alongside this the radio and TV news days are as close to a real world newsroom environment as can be created.

Working under the pressure of time and accuracy fully prepared me to hit the ground running and to cope with everything that comes with being a broadcast journalist."

4. Student support, guidance and conduct

4.1 Academic Advisors Your individual Academic Advisor is your course leader (Caroline Hawtin) Your Academic Advisor is there to offer you pastoral support and guidance, as well as helping you with any problems you may have outside of your studies.

4.2 Student Support The 'i' is a central Student Information Centre and your first point of contact. You can obtain information on a wide range of topics including Council Tax Exemption Certificates, Bank and Confirmation of Study Letters, Portable Financial Credits, (continuing students only, Printing and Printer Credit, UCLan Cards, the ‘i’ shop and UCLan Financial Support Bursary (first year students only).

4.3 Students with disabilities If you have a disability that may affect your studies, please either contact the Disability Advisory Service - disability@uclan.ac.uk - or let one of the course team know as soon as possible. With your agreement information will be passed on to the Disability Advisory Service. The University will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs and to provide appropriate support for you to complete your study successfully. Where necessary, you will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.

Assessment arrangements for students with a disability Arrangements are made for students who have a disability/learning difficulty for which valid supporting evidence can be made available. Contact the Disability Adviser for advice and information, disability@uclan.ac.uk The School administration team will advise you on your Disability lead and their contact details.

4.4 Health and Safety As a student of the University you are responsible for the safety of yourself and for that of others around you. You must understand and follow all the regulations and safety codes necessary for a safe campus environment. Please help to keep it safe by reporting any incidents, accidents or potentially unsafe situations to a member of staff as soon as possible. Safety assessments have been undertaken for each module of your course and you will be advised of all applicable safety codes and any specific safety issues during the induction to your course and modules. You must ensure that you understand and apply all necessary safety codes. These form an essential element of your personal development and contribute to the safety of others.

4.5 Conduct You will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in the University. UCLan expects you to behave in a respectful manner demonstrated by using appropriate language in class, and switching mobile phones / other devices off prior to attending classes. If your behaviour is considered to be unacceptable, any member of staff is able to issue an informal oral warning and the University will support staff by invoking formal procedures where necessary. You can read more about UCLan expectations in the regulations for the Conduct of Students.

4.6 Students’ Union The Students’ Union is the representative body for all UCLan students. The organisation exists separately from the University and is led by the elected officers of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) as well as representatives on the Students’ Council. The Students’ Union building is located at the heart of the Preston campus, and is the hub for all student activities. Representation and campaigning for students’ rights is at the core of what we do and is encompassed by our tag line of, Making Life Better for Students. Should you wish to make a change to any aspect of your student experience, whether it be academically related or not, then the Union is where your voice can be heard, actions taken, or campaigns launched. Your Union is also the home to a fantastic range of student-led societies, sports teams and multitudes of volunteering opportunities. You can also receive help in finding part-time work, whilst you study. Not sure where to go pop into the Opportunities Centre on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building and someone will point you in the right direction. We hope your time at University is trouble free, but should you come into difficulties around anything from academic appeals, to issues with housing, benefits or debt, then our dedicated staff team in the Advice and Representation Centre are on hand to help. As we are independently run from the university, we can offer truly impartial advice. More information on all these things, as well as details about all our (not-for-profit) commercial services, including our student supermarket (Essentials) and student-bar (Source) can be found at http://www.uclansu.co.uk/.

5. Assessment Please note that all modules will be assessed. You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for disability, or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

5.1 Assessment Strategy The radio and television modules involve a considerable amount of practical work. You must not only acquire skills and knowledge, but show you can apply them under pressure in a professional working environment. The assessments test your professional competence, ability to communicate and integrate skills and knowledge, attitude and self-awareness through a system of continuous assessment and a series of competences, each of which represents a particular skill or area of knowledge considered essential for a broadcast journalist. All the competencies are graded and you must undertake all the competencies to pass the modules. In Law and Public Administration, you must aim to acquire a thorough working knowledge of the subject, as well as interpret and apply it. One piece of coursework will be assessed and a final examination will test your knowledge and ability to apply what you’ve learned. Once your work has been marked, samples from each module will be internally moderated by another member of staff. Further samples of work will also be sent to the course’s external examiners for further scrutiny.

5.2 Notification of assignments and examination arrangements The module information packs contain precise details of the assessments and examinations for each module you will study. It is your responsibility to check this information and make precise notes in your diary.

5.3 Referencing When submitted academic essays, The Harvard referencing system must be used. Do not use footnotes or any other referencing system. The bibliography does not constitute part of the word count nor does the actual reference in text i.e. (Frost 2007 p10). WISER has plenty of online referencing advice at: https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_33_1

5.4 Dealing with difficulties in meeting assessment deadlines Assignments must be submitted no later than the date on your assignment instructions / brief. If you anticipate that you will have difficulty in meeting assessment deadlines or you have missed or are likely to miss in-semester tests you must report this at the earliest possible opportunity to your module leader or your Course Leader. Authorisation of the late submission of work requires written permission. Your School is authorised to give permission for one extension period of between 1 and 10 working days where appropriate evidence of good reason has been accepted and

where submission within this timescale would be reasonable taking into account your circumstances (Academic Regulations). You should complete and submit an extension request form, with any supporting evidence, to your Administrative Hub (see section 1.5 for contact details). Further information is available on the Student Portal at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstances.php We aim to let you know if the extension has been granted within 1 working day of the receipt of the request. If you are unable to submit work within 10 working days after the submission date due to verifiable extenuating circumstances, you may submit a case for consideration in accordance with the University’s Policies and Procedures on Extenuating Circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

5.5.1 Extenuating circumstances Some students face significant events in their personal life that occur after their course has started, which have a greater impact on their studies than can be solved by the use of an extension. If this applies to you, the University is ready to support you both with regard to your course and your personal wellbeing through a process called Extenuating Circumstances (see Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook). Normally extenuating circumstances will relate to a change in your circumstances since you commenced your course, which have had a significant, adverse effect on your studies. Everyday occurrences such as colds or known conditions such as hay-fever will not qualify unless the effects are unusually severe and this is corroborated by a medical note. The University does not look sympathetically on absences or delays caused by holiday commitments or by work commitments in the case of full-time students. The normal work commitments of part-time students would not constitute an extenuating circumstance. A disability or learning difficulty does not constitute an extenuating circumstance (see Academic Regulations). Further information is available on the Student Portal at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstances.php You can apply for extenuating circumstances online via myUCLan. You must apply no later than 3 days after any examination or assessment submission date. Do not wait until you receive your assessment results to submit a claim. It is in your own interests to submit the claim as soon as possible. You will be expected to re-submit claims for extenuating circumstances for each semester. All evidence that is provided relating to extenuating circumstances will be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. Supporting evidence will not be kept for longer than is necessary and will be destroyed shortly after the end of the current academic year.

Further information about the submission process is available at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstance_submission.php

In determining assessment recommendations, Assessment Boards will consider properly submitted claims from students who believe their performance has been adversely affected by extenuating circumstances. N.B. Assessment Boards are not permitted to alter individual assessment marks to take account of extenuating circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

5.5.2 Late submissions If you submit work late and unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in relation to your work:

• If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date you will obtain the minimum pass mark for that element of assessment.

• Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.

• Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.

5.6 Feedback Following Assessments UCLan is committed to giving you clear, legible and informative feedback for all your assessments (Academic Regulations). You are expected to review and reflect on your feedback and learn from each experience to improve your performance as you progress though the course. For courses except distance learning You will be provided with generic feedback for in-module formative and summative elements of assessment which contribute to a module within 15 working days of the scheduled submission or examination date. Generic feedback on end of module assessment and dissertations will be made available within 15 days of publication of results. Feedback may be oral, written, posted on a website or other. 5.7 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation You are required to sign a declaration indicating that individual work submitted for an assessment is your own. If you attempt to influence the standard of the award you obtain through cheating, plagiarism or collusion, it will be considered as a serious academic and disciplinary offence as described within the Academic Regulations and the Assessment Handbook .

• Cheating is any deliberate attempt to deceive and covers a range of offences described in the Assessment Handbook.

• Plagiarism describes copying from the works of another person without suitably attributing the published or unpublished works of others. This means that all quotes, ideas, opinions, music and images should be acknowledged and referenced within your assignments.

• Collusion is an attempt to deceive the examiners by disguising the true authorship of an assignment by copying, or imitating in close detail another student’s work - this includes with the other student’s consent and also when 2 or more students divide the elements of an assignment amongst themselves and copy one another’s answers. It does not include the normal situation in which you learn from your peers and share ideas, as this generates the knowledge and understanding necessary for each individual to independently undertake an assignment; nor should it be confused with group work on an assignment which is specifically authorised in the assignment brief.

• Re-presentation is an attempt to gain credit twice for the same piece of work.

The process of investigation and penalties which will be applied can be reviewed in the Assessment Handbook. If an allegation is found to be proven then the appropriate penalty will be implemented: In the case of a single offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation:

• the penalty will be 0% for the element of assessment, and an overall fail for the module.

• the plagiarised element of assessment must be resubmitted to the required standard and the mark for the module following resubmission will be restricted to the minimum pass mark.

• when it is detected for the first time on a resubmission for an already failed module, no further resubmission for the module will be permitted, and the appropriate fail grade will be awarded.

In the event of a repeat offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation (irrespective of whether the repeat offence involves the same form of unfair means) on the same or any other module within the course:

• the appropriate penalty will be 0% for the module with no opportunity for re-assessment. This penalty does not preclude you being able to retake the module in a subsequent year.

The penalties will apply if you transfer from one UCLan course to another during your period of study and module credits gained on the former course are transferred to the current course. Contact the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing: suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and guidance.

5.8 Appeals against assessment board decisions If you consider that you have a reason to appeal against an assessment board decision, please bear in mind that your reasons must fall within the grounds specified in the University Academic Regulations: Section I. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the mark given. The specified grounds for appeal are:

1. that an Assessment Board has given insufficient weight to extenuating circumstances;

2. that the student’s academic performance has been adversely affected by extenuating circumstances which the student has, for good reason, been unable to make known to the Assessment Board;

3. that there has been a material administrative error at a stage of the examining process, or that some material irregularities have occurred;

4. that the assessment procedure and/or examinations have not been conducted in accordance with the approved regulations.

If you want to appeal, then you must do so within 14 days of your results being published. The onus is on you to find out your results and submit your appeal on time. Contact the Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing: suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and guidance.

6. Course regulations

6.1 Course requirements This course requires a pass mark of 50% for all modules. The Award of Masters is awarded to students who gain an overall APM of 50% - 59% The Award of Masters with Merit is awarded to students who gain a mark of 60% - 69% for their triple module (documentary) The Award of Masters with Distinction is awarded to students who gain a mark of 70% -100% (for their triple module – documentary). The University publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards and results are decided in Academic Regulation Section H. Decisions about the overall classification of awards are made by Assessment Boards through the application of the academic and relevant course regulations.

If the APM is near a borderline, ‘at the discretion of the Assessment Board, students may be classified according to the academic judgement of the Assessment Board taking into account their overall profile and performance with the minimum requirement that:

In operating discretion for profiling Course Assessment Boards will use academic judgement and may refer to performance in core modules; the placement component, the dissertation/project or other factors which have been published to students.

6.2 Classification of Awards The University publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards and results are decided in Academic Regulations. Decisions about the overall classification of awards are made by Assessment Boards through the application of the academic and relevant course regulations.

7. Student voice You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this course through the feedback you give. In addition to the on-going discussion with the course team throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to feedback about your experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to your feedback and let you know of our plans for improvement. The Students Union can support you in voicing your opinion, provide on-going advice and support, and encourage your involvement in all feedback opportunities. They will be requesting that you complete the National Student Survey (during semester 2 for students in their final year of study) or the UCLan Student Survey (all other students). The Students’ Union and University work closely together to ensure that the student voice is heard in all matters of student-life. We encourage students to provide constructive feedback throughout their time at university, through course reps, surveys and any other appropriate means, The Union’s Student Affairs Committee (SAC), members of Students’ Council and School Presidents each have particular representative responsibilities, and are involved with decision making committees as high as the University Board. Therefore

it is very important students engage with the democratic processes of the Students’ Union and elect the students they see as most able to represent them.

7.1 Course Representatives and School Presidents A course representative is a student who represents their fellow students’ views and opinions to the course team, school, university and students’ union. Course representatives work proactively and diplomatically to improve the academic and non-academic experiences of students. The role of a course representative is extremely beneficial to both students on your course and the university. It enables students to have ownership of their student experience and voice their opinions and share positive practice with the course team, primarily the Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (see below). Course representatives will be elected every year either in April or September. Alongside receiving recognition, support and respect being a course representative is a great opportunity to enhance your employability skills. If you are interested in becoming a course representative and wish to find out more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or by emailing: coursereps@uclan.ac.uk. School Presidents meanwhile are annually elected representatives who voice the opinions of students within each school. They communicate and engage with students in their school to gain feedback and work in partnership with senior management to create positive change. They are also trained to support and signpost course representatives where needed. If you wish to find out who is your School President or more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or email: coursereps@uclan.ac.uk

7.2 Student Staff Liaison Committee meetings (SSLC)

The purpose of a SSLC meeting is to provide the opportunity for course representatives to feedback to staff about the course, the overall student experience and to inform developments which will improve future courses. These meetings are normally scheduled once per semester. Meetings will be facilitated using guidelines and a record of the meeting will be provided with any decisions and / or responses made and / or actions taken as a result of the discussions held. The meetings include discussion of items forwarded by course representatives, normally related to the following agenda items (dependent on time of year). The course team encourage student feedback in all areas and recognise that additional items for discussion may also be raised at the meeting

• Update on actions completed since the last meeting • Feedback about the previous year – discussion of external examiner’s report;

outcomes of National /UCLan student surveys. • Review of enrolment / induction experience; • Course organisation and management (from each individual year group, and

the course overall); • Experience of modules - teaching, assessment, feedback; • Experience of academic support which may include e.g. Personal

Development Planning, academic advisor arrangements;

• Other aspects of University life relevant to student experience e.g. learning resources, IT, library;

• Any other issues raised by students or staff.

7.3 Complaints The University recognises that there may be occasions when you have cause for complaint about the service you have received, when this happens, the complaints procedure is intended to provide an accessible, fair and straightforward system which ensures as effective, prompt and appropriate response. Click on this link for more information Complaints Procedure

8. Appendices 8. Technical support The Technical Services office is in room GR068, on the ground floor of Greenbank Building. The staff provides technical support to all students and staff in the Journalism Division. It also supports the radio, television, print and online facilities. These include the radio and television studios, the digital audio and play-out network, digital video workstations and the online IT network. Equipment loans The office provides an equipment loan service to support your course. Equipment currently available to journalism students includes: • Digital audio portable recorders • Digital Video and VHS camcorders including tripods etc • A range of microphones • Lighting kits (note that you will be required to attend an induction course before

using the mains powered kit) • Digital cameras

This service gets very busy especially during peak periods and you are asked whenever possible to plan ahead your equipment requirement. The office does not provide consumables, such as tapes or cassettes. Note also that signed tutor authorisation will be required in advance for overnight loans. Authorisation forms are available from GR068 or in the Journalism Division staff corridor (2nd Floor Greenbank). You are expected to observe the following criteria: • You are responsible for equipment loaned to you, and for its safe return. It should

not be passed on to anyone else.

• Equipment must be returned by 4.45pm (3.30pm Friday) on the day it is due to be returned.

• The university has a fines procedure in place for overdue equipment. Full details are available from Technical Services. It is in your best interests to ensure you adhere to the loan dates carefully!

Fines

In order to avoid fines please renew or return items on time.

Loan Type Up to 1 hour After 1st Hour Day 2 -7 Equipment £5 £5 per hour to a

maximum of £20 £5 per day after first 24 hours

Key £5 £5 per hour to a maximum of £20

£10 per day after first 24 hours

IMPORTANT: If you do not return your overdue items within 7 days your Network and Library account will be locked. You will also incur replacement items costs and administrative charges in addition to any fines.

• Equipment Loan booking forms must be completed in full and have appropriate tutor authorisation for overnight loan requests.

Opening Hours for equipment collection and returns are 9am to 4.45pm (3.30pm Friday). You’ll also need to bring a pair of headphones for your personal use on the course.

Recommended reading We recommend you read the following books to support your journalism training. Broadcast Journalism by Andrew Boyd is an up-to-date manual for would-be radio and television journalists and gives a clear insight into the world of electronic journalism, with chapters on writing, reporting, presenting, interviewing and production. It's published by Focal Press. The Broadcast Journalism Handbook by Gary Hudson and Sarah Rowlands explains in detail, with useful examples, the key techniques and theoretical context the broadcast journalist needs to know in order to succeed. It comes with a free CD and is published by Longman. The Radio Handbook by Carole Fleming is a comprehensive guide to radio broadcasting in Britain. Using examples and illustrations, it examines the various

components that make radio, from music selection to news presentation. It's published by Routledge. Writing for Broadcast Journalists by Rick Thompson is an excellent guide all aspects of good writing and fits comfortably alongside your studies. It's published by Routledge. Media 09 edited by Janine Gibson contains the addresses, phone numbers and websites for companies in every sector of the media, including radio and television stations. It's published by Guardian Newspapers. The Television News Handbook by Vin Ray is a guide to the skills necessary for working in television. It contains a masterclass on storytelling and a chapter on BBC job interviews. It's published by Pan Books. Journalism Ethics and Regulation by Chris Frost looks at the dilemmas faced by journalists in their everyday working lives. It's published by Longman. The Broadcast Voice by Jenny Mills teaches how to get the best from your voice in front of the microphone through techniques and exercises designed specifically for broadcasting. The accompanying CD contains audio and video examples. It’s published by Focal Press Presenting on TV and Radio by Janet Trewin contains illustrations, practical exercises and insider tips for improving your presentation skills. It’s published by Focal Press. Interviewing for Radio explains what it takes to make a successful radio interview. Programme Making for Radio shows how radio programmes are made. Both are by Jim Beaman and published by Focal Press. Creating Powerful Radio by Valerie Geller contains valuable tips and information for presenters, managers, and programmers. It’s published by Focal Press. Investigative Reporting by David Spark identifies the skills, common factors and special circumstances involved in a wide variety of investigations. It’s published by Focal Press. Online News: Journalism and the Internet by Stuart Allan provides a wide-ranging analysis of online news, and insights into key debates concerning the ways in which journalism is evolving on the internet. It’s published by Open University Press. Multimedia Journalism: a Practical Guide by Andy Bull offers clear advice about working across multiple platforms. It’s published by Routledge. We also recommend you get the following books for your law and public administration modules: McNae's Essential Law for Journalists by Tom Welsh and Walter Greenwood (Oxford University Press) and Law for Journalists by Frances Quinn. Politics UK (Longman) and the Dictionary of British Politics (Manchester University Press) both by Bill Jones. Politico’s Guide to Local Government by Andrew Stevens (Politico’s Publishing) and Local Government in the United Kingdom by David Wilson and Chris Game (Palgrave).

6. Broadcast Journalism Training Council

The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) The BJTC is a partnership of all the main employers in the UK broadcast industry - three departments of the BBC, (News, Nations and Regions and Training), ITV News Group, ITN, Sky News, Thomson-Reuters, RadioCentre, APTN, the NUJ and Skillset, the sector Skills Council for the media industries. Associate members comprise more than 30 colleges and universities, and more than 50 courses, training new generations of broadcast journalism talent. Council members are all experienced employers and trainers who participate in forum meetings to discuss the development of training programmes to improve the skills and knowledge across the broadcast journalism industry. Together, they set the criteria for course accreditation and then send teams of professional journalists and tutors to inspect courses and provide advice. In 2010/11 the University won the coveted Certificate of Excellence for its PG Diploma/MA in Broadcast Journalism for what was described as "enduring and consistent success not least in its jobs outcomes." For more information go to: http://www.bjtc.org.uk

8.1 Programme Specification

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1. Awarding Institution /Body

University of Central Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution

3. University Department/Centre

Journalism, Language and Communication

4. External Accreditation

Broadcast Journalism Training Council

5. Title of Final Award

MA Broadcast Journalism

6. Modes of Attendance offered

Full time

7. UCAS Code

Postgraduate course, no UCAS code.

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)

Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

9. Other external influences

Broadcast Journalism Training Council

10. Date of production/revision of this form

July 2013

11. Aims of the Programme • To provide students with the key journalistic skills and knowledge

required by professional broadcast journalists. • To promote self-awareness and self-confidence, and the ability to

communicate clearly. • To provide underpinning knowledge of relevant legal and ethical

requirements. • To stimulate all-round development within a positive, supportive and

creative learning environment. • To provide students with the opportunity for a substantial piece of

independent research and production. • To encourage students to develop the intellectual skills and creative

insights necessary for their development as reflective practitioners.

12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods A. Knowledge and Understanding A1. Advanced knowledge of the structure of the radio and television industry, patterns of ownership and audiences, multi-platform operation of news and current affairs services. A2. Critical understanding of the style and content of news programmes, sources of news, effective production of stories, interviews, packages and programmes, technical knowledge. A3. Knowledge of the law pertaining to journalists, ethical and regulatory issues. A4. Knowledge of local and central government operation. Teaching and Learning Methods Most of the teaching is experiential, although there are also formal lectures, workshops and tutorials. Assessment methods The students’ professional competence, their ability to communicate and integrate skills and knowledge, their attitude and self-awareness are continuously assessed through a series of competences; law and public administration are assessed by course work and examination.

B. Subject-specific skills B1. Researching and sourcing material.. B2. Reporting, writing, presenting and producing material for high-quality broadcast. B3. Interviewing people in and out of the studio B4. Digital editing, newsroom management, using radio and television equipment. Creating and maintaining an online presence.

Teaching and Learning Methods The course work, workshops and exercises provide students with the core skills required by trainee broadcast journalists. Assessment methods The course culminates in the students producing their own radio and television programmes, in which all the outcomes are put into practice. C. Thinking Skills C1. Researching, selecting and interpreting information from a range of primary and secondary sources to produce an in-depth piece of journalism – eg a documentary. C2. Critical analysis of source material to produce a major project. C3. Relation of practical thinking to theoretical understanding. C4. Effective communication, organisation and presentation skills, creative and lateral thinking. Teaching and Learning Methods The course work and role-playing exercises encourage students to become reflective practitioners, a theme bolstered by lectures and seminars. Assessment methods Continuous assessment in both Radio and TV tests the students’ growing abilities. There are formal examinations in both Law and Public Administration. D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development D1. Self confidence and effective verbal and written communication. D2. Independent thinking, persistence, focus, brevity. D3. Team working. D4. Advanced project management, self- analysis and self criticism. Teaching and Learning Methods The course work, workshops and exercises stress the need for independent, focused thought, while curiosity, common sense, brevity, self-confidence, self-analysis and effective verbal and written communication are fundamental skills required by a broadcast journalist. Assessment methods Team working, project management and criticism are displayed in the production of the radio and television programmes.

13. Programme Structures* 14. Awards and

Credits* Level Module Code

Module Title Credit rating

Level 7 JN4070 JN4071 JN4072 JN4073

JN4200 JN4600

Compulsory Modules Creating Content Newsroom Practice Digital Journalism Extended Journalism Project Law for Journalists Public Administration

20 40 20 60

20 20

Masters Degree Requires 180 credits at Level 6 or above with a minimum of 160 credits at Level 7 Exit award Post Graduate Diploma Requires 120 credits at level 6 or above, with a minimum of 100 credits at level 7 Exit award Post Graduate Certificate Requires 60 credits at level 6 or above with a minimum of 40 at level 7.

15. Personal Development Planning

Personal development planning and employability are at the heart of the course development. The programme allows for the development of transferrable skills in addition to subject-specific skills. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice. They will also develop a critical awareness of the changing media landscape and develop their own skills portfolio with the aim of exploiting the opportunities available. Students work in a newsroom atmosphere to replicate conditions in the industry. They are encouraged to develop analytical skills and to work both individually and as part of a team. . A work placement gives students a chance to put all they have learned into practice and to make industry contacts. 16. Admissions criteria Students will normally be expected to have an Upper Second or First classification for an honours degree from a British higher education institution, or an equivalent overseas qualification. Mature students and candidates with non-standard qualifications are also considered, if they have substantial professional or other relevant experience. 17. Key sources of information about the programme

• University website www.uclan.ac.uk • Department website www.ukjournalism.org • BJTC website www.bjtc.org.uk • UCLan course enquiries • Programme factsheet

18. Curriculum Skills Map Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed Programme Learning Outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4

LEVE

L 7

JN4070 Creating Content Comp x x x x x x x x x x x x x x X JN4071 Newsroom Practice Comp x x x x x x x x x x x x x x JN4072 Digital Journalism Comp JN4073 Extended Journalism Project Comp JN4200 Law for Journalists Comp x x x x x x x x JN4600 Public Administration Comp x x x x x x x x

Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks